Functions and Mechanics of the Respiratory System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the functions and mechanics of the respiratory system.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Inspiration (Inhalation)

The process of taking air into the lungs, involving contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostals.

Expiration (Exhalation)

The process of expelling air from the lungs, typically a passive process at rest.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere, typically 760 mmHg at sea level.

Intrapulmonary Pressure (Intra-alveolar Pressure)

The pressure of air inside the alveoli that changes with breathing; equalizes with atmospheric pressure between breaths.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure in the pleural cavity that remains negative compared to alveolar pressure.

Transpulmonary Pressure

The difference between alveolar pressure and intrapleural pressure which helps keep the lungs open.

Ventilation

The process of moving fresh air into and out of the lungs to refresh alveolar gases.

Pulmonary Gas Exchange

The process occurring in the alveoli where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli.

Transport of Gases in Blood

The function of carrying oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs.

Tissue Gas Exchange

The exchange of gases at systemic capillaries where oxygen moves from blood into cells and carbon dioxide moves from cells into blood.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle involved in inhalation, contracting to increase thoracic volume.

External Intercostals

Muscles that elevate the ribcage during inhalation to expand the thoracic cavity.

Abdominal Muscles

Muscles engaged during forceful expiration to push air out of the lungs.

Elastic Recoil

The tendency of lungs to return to their original size after stretching, contributing to expiration.

Pleural Fluid Bond

The fluid in the pleural cavity that keeps the pleurae adhered to each other, influencing intrapleural pressure.